SURREY Police could see a change in the way its air support is used and deployed across the county.

The Surrey Police Authority will decide at the end of the month whether to fully support the national police air support policy.

The policy, if adopted, would see cover in the county provided by four aircraft.

Currently, Surrey Police share two helicopters with Sussex and Hampshire.

The aircraft are based in RAF Odiham in Hampshire and Shoreham Airport in West Sussex.

The new plans could see one aircraft based at Redhill Aerodrome and others based in Dorset, Thames Valley, Essex or London, covering the entire South East.

A spokesman from the Association of Chief Police Officers said despite the South East being covered by four helicopters under the new proposals, technically an aircraft could be called from anywhere in England if needed.

Elsewhere in the South East, Thames Valley, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire police currently share two helicopters.

Kent and Essex share one helicopter, and the Metropolitan Police service currently has access to three helicopters.

A spokesman from Surrey Police Authority said the aim of a national service was to ensure everywhere in the country was covered.

“The aircraft will be able to be directed to wherever needed with four aircraft available to use,” he added.

Peter Williams, the police authority chairman, said: “We support the principle of moving towards a National Police Air Service.

“However, we will not make any more substantial commitment until we have seen more detailed planning.

“We also need to be satisfied that the plans will represent the right choice for the public and the police in Surrey.”